Thunder in Tsumeb

Chapter Organiser:

Namibia Thunder Days 2018 presented by H.O.G. Namibia Chapter kicked off on Friday 28 May 2018 in Tsumeb - the gateway to the North of Namibia and an important contributor to the copper mining industry in the country. The members from Tsumeb organised and hosted the event this year in true Namibian style.

The Tsumeb Golf Club was buzzing with activity as 149 rally attendees and 114 Harley- Davidson® motorcycles from all over Namibia and South Africa arrived. Participants received stunning Namibia Thunder Days Rally T-shirts and goody bags while posing for a photo within the Thunder Days photo frame.

The afternoon was a time set aside to meet new friends, catch up with old ones and an opportunity to experience a flight over Tsumeb in a Bell UH1H (Huey) helicopter renowned for its service in Vietnam. As fortune would have the weather was perfect for the evening’s planned dinner, a beef steak braai with the compliments of Harley-Davidson® dealership Windhoek.

Erwin and Liesel Koepp won the treasure hunt on Saturday morning that took participants on an interesting 70-kilometre round trip discovery ride of the history and scenery of Tsumeb and surrounding area. The treasure hunt was followed by the Thunder Parade of 86 roaring H-D® motorcycles through the main streets of this small town that left the residents cheering and waving on the sidewalks in awe of the bikes. The Thunder Parade ended at the Tsumeb Gymnasium’s Sport fields where the Harley® motorcycles roared the school’s first rugby team onto the field before the match. The home team won!

Afternoon activities was filled with more competitive games on the golf course and a silent auction that raised N$ 20 000 towards assisting the Van Ass family of Tsumeb with medical expenses. Their little girl needs life changing eye surgery and the Namibia Chapter could not have chosen a better cause than contributing towards their expenses.

The evening ended with a lamb spit braai and the welcoming of new H.O.G. Namibia Chapter members. Basie Oosthuizen (Assistant Director and Rally Organizer) concluded the Rally with speeches and presenting the awards for the concourse that was in majority dominated by ladies motorcycles. The award for longest distance travelled was handed over to Okkie and Ansie van der Merwe all the way from the Western Cape.

A heartfelt “thank You” to everyone in attendance at the Namibia Thunder Days Rally 2018 and whom contributed to the event. We at H.O.G. Namibia Chapter look forward to hosting the Skeleton Coast Rally 2019 in Swakopmund from 23 – 26 May 2019.

Article submission: Zelda Erasmus

Photographer: Adiele Oosthuizen

Editor: Angelique Dermit

Harley’s welcome the 1st rugby team of Tsumeb Gymnasium onto the field. Photo by Adiele OosthuizenV5-HOX, a Huey returning with a group that did a scenic fly-over of Tsumeb. Photo: Adiele OosthuizenElmarie, Kerri and Yvette model their rally T-shirts. Photo: Adiele OosthuizenHenning, Marius, Vanessa, Herman and Martin popping through the frame at the registration desk. Photo: Adiele Oosthuizen